Thursday, February 13, 2014

Dr. Michael Artman, former professor of pediatrics and pharmacology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, was recently named chair of pediatrics at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, Kan.

During his tenure with the USA College of Medicine from 1984 until 1994, Dr. Artman served as chief of pediatric cardiology and director of the division of clinical pharmacology.

It was announced on Jan. 6, 2014, that Dr. Artman, pediatrician-in-chief and chair of the department of pediatrics at Children’s Mercy and chair of the department of pediatrics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, will also serve as chair of the department of pediatrics at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

The University of Kansas School of Medicine began its operation in 1905 and has expanded to three campuses in Kansas City, Wichita, and Salina, Kan. The institute has gained a national reputation for educating family, primary care, and rural physicians while maintaining their commitment to enhance the quality of life and serve the community through the discovery of knowledge, the education of health professionals and by improving the health of the public.

Next week's Distinguished Scientist Seminar at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine will feature Dr. Douglas Wallace, Michael and Charles Barnett Chair of Pediatric Mitochondrial Medicine and Metabolic Disease at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The lecture will take place Feb. 20, 2014, at 4 p.m. in the first floor auditorium of the Medical Sciences Building on USA’s main campus.

Dr. Wallace’s research interests include the role of mitochondrial energy in human health and disease.

He earned his bachelor of science degree in genetics and developmental biology from Cornell University and a master of philosophy degree in microbiology and human genetics from Yale University. He also earned his Ph.D. in microbiology and human genetics from Yale University.

In addition, Dr. Wallace conducted an NIH postdoctoral fellowship in the department of human genetics at Yale University.

The lecture series is comprised of distinguished scientists from other academic institutions who are invited by the USA College of Medicine basic science departments to present a seminar showcasing their latest research findings. Faculty, staff and students are strongly encouraged to attend.

For more information on Dr. Wallace’s research, click here. To learn more about the lecture series, click here.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Andrew Schneider, a medical student at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, was recently awarded a 2014 Medical Student Travel Grant to attend a national vascular surgery meeting, as well as Alabama Vascular Society’s Annual meeting.

To be selected for one of the traveling grants is a high honor. The grants are sponsored by the Alabama Vascular society, which provides only two grants each year -- one to a medical student at the University of South Alabama and one to a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Schneider is pursuing a career in vascular surgery. “I became interested during my surgical rotation this past year when I spent two weeks with Dr. O’Gorman and Dr. Maltese,” said Schneider. “I found vascular surgery to be an exciting and diverse field to practice.”

The meetings are something that Schneider is looking forward to. “It gives me the opportunity to network with vascular residency programs throughout the country,” Schneider added. “It’s an opportunity to begin to find which program would be a good fit for me.”

Dr. Scott Carter, professor of mathematics and statistics at the University of South Alabama, gladly welcomes the USA Physicians Group’s recent move.

“I currently live just south of campus, and I am often seen in the University area on my bike riding to my office, to the gym, or to local shops,” explained Dr. Carter. “I try to keep a healthy lifestyle.”

In late December, two clinics associated with USA Physicians Group relocated to the University Commons at the corner of University Boulevard and Old Shell Road. The USA Digestive Health Center and Knollwood Physicians Group - both previously located on the Infirmary West Hospital campus - have moved into their new offices and began seeing patients in January.

When USA Physicians Group was located at the Knollwood campus, Dr. Carter often found it inconvenient to visit by bike.

“Using my bike for short trips is a part of my healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Carter. “Anything that makes Mobile more accessible for bike and pedestrians is a great thing in my opinion.”

Among reasons for the clinics’ relocation, the move allows them to be conveniently located near one of their most important patient populations - the University community.

Appointment numbers for the two clinics are unchanged: University Physicians Group - (251) 660-5787; Digestive Health Center - (251) 660-5555.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Dr. Natalie Bauer, assistant professor of pharmacology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, and Dr. Clara Massey, professor of internal medicine and director of the division of cardiology at USA, recently presented lectures during a series of break-out sessions at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women symposium.

The event was held Feb. 7 at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel in downtown Mobile.

Dr. Bauer's lecture, "Microparticles: Big Information in Tiny Packages," included information on the role of microparticles in pulmonary arterial hypertension, a fatal progressive illness that causes severe shortness of breath and right heart failure. Dr. Massey gave an update from the American College of Cardiology.

As part of the "Go Red for Women" campaign against heart disease, the event educates and inspires women to take action against the number one killer of women in the United States.